Atlanta Auto Show - 1909

The November 16, 1909, article contained in attachment AutoNews111609 looks ahead to 1910 and the model cars manufacturers were making available to the public. It references input and analysis from an unnamed source who represented an Indianapolis manufacturer. The new season's models had been on display at Atlanta's first auto show just days prior.
 
The article starts with a mention of "unlicensed" and "licensed" manufacturers - referencing the Selden Patent, which was awarded to George Selden, who had patented the automobile as his invention. Although he never produced a working car, Selden made a fortune licensing the right to produce the machines unencumbered by a threat of litigation. 
 
The theme of the article was a message to the public that the 1910 models were not a significant departure from those of 1909. This was with respect to both mechanical features and styling.
 
In some cases, the article reports, there were subtle alterations in terms of wheelbase. Also, the market was apparently attracted to lighter cars and manufacturers were offering new models of lesser weight without eliminating their heavier products.
 
The greatest changes were reported to come to body design. Runabout models - simple, lightweight, and inexpensive machines - were the cars with the most significant body changes. New "gunboat" and "torpedo" shapes were being introduced, which (my opinion) may have been the first step toward introducing the popular roadster of several years later.
 
On the mechanical side, the article discusses the growing use of a "thermosiphon" system of water circulation. The devices are called "thermo-syphon" in the article - but the correct spelling today is as noted in the previous sentence. As for oil lubrication, both the pump and older splash methods of circulation were common. This article also cites the rising popularity of the driveshaft to deliver power to wheels. Previously, most cars used chains modeled after those found on bicycles.
 
The article includes a reference to the ongoing competition among states to host the Cobe Trophy in 1910. Joining bids from Wisconsin and Indiana was a serious proposal from the famous watchmaking town of Elgin, Illinois. Frank B. Wood, a member of the trophy donating organization, the Chicago Auto Club was leading the Elgin group.